The potential visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India is becoming an important test of Bangladesh's foreign policy. Shortly after assuming office in February, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for a bilateral visit. At the same time, Bangladesh has also been invited to participate in the expanded session of the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on 12-13 September, this time as the current chair of BIMSTEC. Thus, the political and diplomatic significance of the two upcoming invitations is not the same: the first is part of bilateral relations, while the second is related to Bangladesh's broader regional responsibilities.

In this context, the issue of Sheikh Hasina's extradition has become intertwined with the India visit. Dhaka has stated that a favourable environment is needed for the Prime Minister's visit to India, and has simultaneously called on New Delhi to expedite the extradition requests of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.

India has stated that it has received Bangladesh's request and the matter is under consideration in their legal process. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has also tried repeatedly to clarify the difference between the two types of invitations. However, in public discourse, the bilateral visit, extradition, and regional responsibilities of BIMSTEC often become conflated.